Accessibility
The North Quincy Branch has designated handicapped parking spaces in the library parking lot and automatic door openers. The building is accessible to users with mobility impairments and has an accessible bathroom. Some areas of the building are not accessible and require staff assistance.

Accessibility
The Adams Shore Branch has designated handicapped parking spaces in the library parking lot and automatic door openers. The building is accessible to users with mobility impairments but has no accessible bathrooms.

Accessibility
The Wollaston Branch is not accessible to users with mobility impairments. If mobility impairment prevents use of any service at Wollaston Branch, users may request service at the Main Library, which is fully accessible.

Staff Music Picks

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If you haven’t been listening to She & Him, a collaboration between indie darling Zooey Deschanel and singer-songwriter M. Ward, you’ve been missing out. This is their 5th album together and consists of, unsurprisingly, covers of 13 classic songs, recorded live and accompanied by an orchestra. While I would have liked to hear a little more of M. Ward’s vocals, the covers were fun and refreshing and still managed to retain their original charm. My favorite tracks were versions of Dusty Springfield’s “Stay Awhile” and Frank Sinatra’s “Time After Time.” If covers aren’t your cup of tea, check out their other albums (Volumes one, two and three) to experience some of their original songwriting, and see them live if you ever get the chance! Check Our Catalog

If you enjoy listening to choral music and have never heard this recording, please borrow it right away. This music is drenched in emotion but never maudlin; it’s modern (composed in the 1990s) but sounds like renaissance and classical music; it’s lush and sonorous but also precise and carefully crafted. Lauridsen is one of the most performed contemporary choral composers in America but for some reason I had never heard of him. This recording brought me to tears again and again. Check Our Catalog

There are many things that just feel so right about The Weeknd. Maybe it’s the forlorn echoing, resounding bass and the falsetto register of Abel Tesfaye. Simply put, The Weeknd’s songs are dark, moody and lustful. Sometimes reminiscent of Michael Jackson, Prince, or Massive Attack with contemporary equals such as Frank Ocean or Drake, the Weeknd‘s Trilogy is a remastered release of his first mixtapes that contain some of his very best work. From “The Morning” to “Montréal”, or “The Professional” you’ll find that there are many songs to discover and thoroughly enjoy here if you’re in the mood for something tastefully dark and stormy. Check our Catalog or Listen Now.

If you've every appreciated George Clinton's desire to make your funk un-cut, this is 5+ hours of bliss "bound to take the average overthinking funk freak to new levels of nerd-dom" (allmusic.com). This is 91 tracks from ten years of classic funk from the archives of Warner Bros., Atlantic, Reprise, Atco, and smaller labels like Cotillion, Curtom, Alston, and Jonie. You may want to follow the allmusic.com﻿ link to the review just so you can follow along track by track and know who is playing on each track (one downside to our streaming service is there's not enough track-by-track detail for music nerds). There is not much hear many people will immediately recognize - even the known entities have deep cuts (Curtis Mayfield's (Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below We're All Going to Go ring a bell? It's apparently one of the better known tracks here.) Don't let this deter you though. Many a great hip-hop track have sampled from herein, and there is a lot more remixing and shuffling to be imagined. Well - what are you waiting for?! Get on the good foot and go get your funk on!

This album is everything danceable rock should be, full of lanky riffs, fantastic lyrics and lead singer Alex Turner’s crooning. Tracks “R U Mine?”, “Snap Out of It” and “One for the Road” have catchy beats and that will stay in your head for hours. The drum build up of “Do I Wanna Know?” is so simple and momentous, that when the main riff creeps in, you just can’t help but jam along with the slow, wonderful drag of it. If you’re feeling like a good pick me up, and a little late night rock (for anytime of the day), this is for you. Check our catalog or listen now on hoopla!

One of my favorite concert experiences in the past couple years was getting to see John McLaughlin play with his new band. He has returned to the electric jazz fusion that I first came to love him for. While the library hasn't acquired the recording of the the show I saw yet (but I'm so excited it was recorded and released already - look for it on Spotify - McLaughlin live in Boston), I did just find this amazing gem that was released in August of 2014. I haven't been able to figure out exactly when this was originally recorded but I believe it dates to around 1978, when his studio album Electric Dreams was released with the One Truth Band. This band included L. Shankar on violin, Tony Smith on drums, Stu Goldberg on keyboards, Fernando Saunders on bass, and Alyrio Lima handling various percussion duties.﻿ I think this album is great for any fans of John McLaughlin, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Shakti, Bitches Brew-era Miles Davis, of simply mind-melting guitar and rhythm. Listen now (with hoopla).

If you've been hankering for old school metal look no further than this fine new offering from Judas Priest. Putting this cd on is like stepping into a time machine in the very best way. Awesome song titles like Metalizer and Halls of Valhalla, and my personal favorite Dragonaught signal exactly what you're in for. Songs about fires in the sky, black hell, ghosts, revenge and "on that two wheeler from hell on the wind" the Redeemer of Souls. The band rocks hard and Rob Halford can still scream with the conviction of a tween at a One Direction concert. If you loved them then you will love them now. Enjoy the sample below and then check our catalog.

Get in the holiday spirit with one of my favorite holiday-themed albums of all time. The perfect balance of melancholic nostalgia, tight jazz improvisation, and plenty of space to think about falling snow. I get tired pretty quickly listening to the songs that sprout like weeds this time of year, but I've never grown tired of this album. I picked up the sheet music a few years ago and try and bang out some of the parts on my piano at home. I like both the original numbers (Christmas time is here, Skating) as well as the arrangements of familiar tunes (esp. Greensleeves and What Child is This). Not sure if I'll watch the special this year, but I sure will enjoy listening and remember poor Charlie Brown and his sad little tree. Check our catalog and listen now.

Listening to a blues radio show this last weekend I heard an amazing guitarist I hadn't heard before. The DJ said it was recorded live in Belfast in the early 1970's - at a time when Belfast was a very unsafe place. I went to the library catalog and didn't find any CDs I could borrow, but I was delighted to discover a significant number of titles from our streaming service (hoopla). I was further thrilled to find what I have learned is considered one of his pinacle concerts in a deluxe package prepared last summer for the 40th anniversary. 56 songs, over six and a half hours of music await! I'm listening right now and loving it. I know I'll come back for repeated listenings. Now I just need to find a copy of the film documenting this concert - any tips? Wait, it's on youtube, I'll share it below. Check our catalog

For no good reason, Sleater-Kinney has been one of those groups that I’ve had on the backburner for quite a while. After hearing that they were reuniting after a decade hiatus, I thought I should finally educate myself with this pivotal band in the riot grrrl and indie rock scene. The Woods is the last album they released in 2005, and it’s an anthem for butt-kicking women everywhere. The opening track “The Fox” is a powerful jam that sets the precedent for hard guitar riffs and catchy vocals. “What’s Mine is Yours” is reminiscent of more classic rock elements with the Sleater-Kinney brand of sharp lyrics. And if it’s possible to be in love with a song upon first hearing, then it’s the 11 minute track “Let’s Call It Love” for me. It’s on repeat. LOUD. (Sorry, neighbors!) I was so mistaken to not have listened to Sleater-Kinney in the naivete of my youth, but as they say, better late than never! I’m looking forward to diving deep into the rest of Sleater-Kinney’s discography available at the library, and needless to say, I can’t wait for the release of their new album, No Cities To Love, in January. Listen to Sleater-Kinney NOW (with hoopla) and check our catalog to borrow a physical copy.

Oh the sweet, comforting songs of a strong voice and a soulful electric guitar. Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone is her first album on her own label, Highway 20 Records. She's had some famous fights with labels and it sure is great to hear her stretch out her complete control. This is a long album - two cds, just shy of two hours of music, and it feels great the entire time. As the nights get long this will be a good friend. Check our catalog

As a librarian, with access to all manner of free entertainment, I rarely purchase a CD. I get EVERYTHING from the library. But when I heard the song Avant Gardener and found that it was not available at any of the libraries to which I have access, I had to buy it. I do not regret it. I really love this CD. It's full of great songs that are witty and festive, delivered in a raspy deadpan. The rockers rock and the slow songs are melodic and thoughtful. The Thomas Crane now owns a copy of this CD so you too can experience this excellent work. I can't wait to hear what she does next. Enjoy the live performance of Avant Gardener below and check our catalog to borrow this great CD.

Sweet psychedelic rock from Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl. Catchy melodies, plenty of noise, and a good beat. It is pretty wild to hear the musical and clear vocal resonance of Sean's famous father (John), but this music also really stands on its own. Lots of stelar tracks. I particularly enjoy Animals (the video is also fun - see below). Check Our Catalog

Rich is fifteen and plays a mean guitar. One night he is magically transported back in time to the Woodstock Music Festival where he meets many of his idols, including Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. More life shaking, he meets the young man who years later would become his father - and his father’s brother, who died before Rich was even conceived. This is a great book for fans of classic rock music, but its also good for anyone who’s trying to get some perspective on the complex lives that make our parents act the way they do. Rich’s parents never let him do any of the crazy things they enjoyed doing as teenagers. This book isn’t preachy either - there are plenty of things his parents used to do that are acknowledged and not judged overly harshly (revolving specifically around matters of sex and drugs). Check Our Catalog

Eric Clapton channels J.J. Cale in this newly released tribute to Cale's rootsy, bluesy music. You might know the Clapton hits "Cocaine" and "After Midnight" but not that they were written by Cale. This album showcases Cale's relaxed, laid-back style, perfect listening while sitting on your back deck sipping your favorite summer beverage. Listen now to The Breeze or go right to the source and check out some of J.J. Cale's own recordings in our catalog.

Fans of Norah Jones (Ravi Shankar's daughter) should not be surprised that her new band (well, technically not new, they've been playing in clubs for several years but this is their first album together) continues her adventures into country music. Unlike her covers of Every Brothers tunes (her last album, with Green Day's Bille Joe Armstrong), this is a mix of covers and originals, performed by Jones, Sasha Dobson, and Catherine Popper. They clearly have a great time playing together (to which I can personally attest, having seen them perform just last Saturday at the Green River Music and Baloon Festival). I particularly like their cover of Neil Young's Down by the River. This is available to listen to right now with our streaming music partnership with hoopla. Listen Now

I’ll admit that I was drawn to this CD mainly for the vintage photograph on the cover, but it turned out to be exactly what I’ve been searching for: a children’s album that my baby likes, with songs that I’m actually happy to get stuck in my head. Formerly of the indie band “Ida,” Elizabeth Mitchell transitioned into solo children’s music in the late 1990s and has been perfecting it ever since. Mitchell does some beautiful covers of Woody Guthrie and Elizabeth Cotten, and manages to make folk songs soothing, but fun and upbeat at the same time. Throw in a rendition of “Jingle Bells” (hey, who doesn’t love a little Christmas music in July?) and you’ve got a hit. If you like this album, check out Mitchell’s website for her other work. Check Our Catalog

Join us on Friday, June 27th at 10:00 a.m. for our summer program kick-off concert!

Two full months of summer library programs for children of all ages begin with an out-of-this-world concert with the Toe Jam Puppet Band. Get ready to take a rocket ship to outer space. All aboard!... Countdown...4-3-2-1-zero... Blast off! ... into outer space with the band. The show features a spacey dress-up puppet show and some crazy anti-gravity dancing! Children of all ages and their families are invited to this high energy kickoff to summer. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.

We've got a huge summer planned, with craft programs, science projects, storytellers, music, reading and more! Take a look at our summer events page for information on what's going on in the library. Looking for summer reading? Try our Summer Reading Challenge and see the Quincy Public Schools summer reading lists. And for some fun things to try online and at home, take a look at our online fun page and our blog!

My love affair with Fountains of Wayne began two weeks ago when I heard the song "Acela". When my old supervisor used to tell me that I would love Fountains of Wayne I didn't scoff, but I didn't pursue it either. I'd heard "Stacy's Mom". "Acela" is one of many catchy songs on "Sky Full of Holes", their 2011 release. Others include "Cemetery Guns", "Richie and Ruben", "Hate to See You Like This", and my favorite,"Cold Comfort Flowers". As the titles suggest, these are not all light and fun, but they are about something and have lots of nice musical touches, like the snare drum rolls in "Cemetery Guns" and entertaining lyrics that keep you interested in whatever story they're telling. This band is thoughtful and funny. I like it. I encourage you to check out their other titles too. Check Our Catalog or use our streaming service to listen now to Utopia Parkway (1990) and Fountains of Wayne (1996).

At once timeless and brand new, this beautiful album invokes my favorite Pink Floyd (circa Dark Side of the Moon) and Neil Young (Down By the River), while being true to its own sensibilities. As is to be expected with The Black Keys, the drumming is stellar - spot on, crisp, and not overwrought at all. There's a great NPR interview with Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach (the core of The Black Keys) that sheds light on how they pulled together the "gently strummed acoustic guitars. Lovely falsetto vocals. Tinkling bells and dreamy atmospherics" that bring new flavors, while staying grounded in the swagger, thumping bass lines, and rumbling beats we expect. Perhaps it has something to do with their continued collaboration with Brian Burton a.k.a. Danger Mouse (famous for his own work including Broken Bells and Gnarls Barkley, as well as producing Beck, Gorillaz and Norah Jones). Listen NOW. Check our catalog.